Iran's investigation of the case of three young U.S. hikers detained in the country is nearing its completion.

Intelligence Minister Heydar Moslehi, was quoted by the ISNA news agency on August 28, as saying, "The investigation into these three persons is close to being completed and when completed the results will be announced."

Moslehi and other Iranian officials have previously accused the three of spying.

Iranian authorities arrested the three in July last year, accusing them of illegally crossing into the country from northern Iraq.